Wheel fitment comes down to bolt pattern, diameter, width, offset and center bore, and a wheel that misses on any one of them will not fit safely. Detroit Tire Shop in Detroit, MI can help you check fitment before you buy; call with your vehicle's year, make and model.
Bolt pattern decides whether a wheel mounts at all. Offset and width decide whether it clears the brakes and the fender. Get either wrong and the wheel rubs, or sits too close to the suspension.
The center bore is the hole in the middle. If the wheel's bore is larger than the hub, a hub-centric ring fills the gap so the wheel centers on the hub and not on the lug nuts.
What changes when I go to a bigger wheel?
A larger wheel diameter needs a lower, shorter sidewall so the overall tire height stays close to the original. That keeps the speedometer honest and avoids rubbing.
The trade is ride quality. Less sidewall means less cushion over potholes, which is worth weighing for a car that spends most of its time on city streets.
What happens to the tire pressure sensors?
Aftermarket wheels need sensors too, and the sensors from the old wheels can usually be moved across. Ask whether the quote includes that work, and whether the sensors need to be programmed to the car.
Lug nuts matter as well. Wheels use different seat shapes, and the wrong one will not clamp properly, so do not reuse the factory nuts without checking.
Should I buy the wheels first or the tires?
Settle the wheel first, since its diameter and width set the tire size. Call before you order and read the specs to Detroit Tire Shop. The shop runs Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Sun Open 24 hours, so you can plan a visit around that.
Can I bring my own wheels?
Call and ask. Bring the specs for the wheels and the vehicle, and ask whether mounting and balancing are quoted separately.
How do I find my bolt pattern?
It is listed in the owner's manual and on most wheel spec sheets. If you cannot find it, call with the year, make and model.
Will new wheels change the tire size I need?
Often, yes. A change in wheel diameter or width usually means a different tire size to keep the overall height close to the original.